Buffer for closing gaps in product flow, and wrapping system incorporating such buffer

Abstract

A system receives flat products in a serial manner, transports them to a buffer apparatus, senses the presence of any significant gaps between adjacent products, passes the products to a wrapping or other processing machine and then removes the processed products from the system. The buffer closes gaps between adjacent products with an arrangement of fast and slower-moving chains or conveyors.

1 . A buffer apparatus for closing gaps in a flow of flat products, comprising:
 a first conveying means moving at a first linear speed and adapted to serially transport a plurality of flat products;   a second conveying means adjacent to the first conveying means, moving at a second linear speed and adapted to serially transport a plurality of flat products;   means for sensing the presence of a gap between adjacent products; and   means for transferring products from the first conveying means to the second conveying means and adjusting the second linear speed so as to close the gap.   
     
     
         2 . An improved wrapping system for wrapping flat products, comprising:
 means for receiving vertically-oriented products from an overhead conveyor, reorienting such products horizontally and passing such products serially to a buffer;   means associated with the buffer for sensing gaps between adjacent products;   means associated with the buffer utilizing two adjacent conveying means moving at varying speeds for closing the gaps and passing such products to a wrapping machine;   means for wrapping such products with flexible wrap; and   means for removing wrapped products from the wrapping system.